Evan dunlap



(No Model.)

B. DUNLAP. Railroad Signal Apparatus. No. 243,437. Patented June 28 I881.

WITJV'ESZSES IJV'V'EJV'TOR/ I a fad LEI/44 .dttorlwys F N. PETERS. Pholo-Lilhugnphar, Washinghyn. n c.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

EVAN DUNLAP, OF CHESTER, PENNSYLVANIA, ASSIGNOR OF ONE-HALF TO MICHAEL FRANCIS BODEN, OF SAME PLACE.

RAILROAD SIGNAL APPARATUS.

SPECIFICATION formingpart of Letters Patent No. 243,437, dated June 28 1881,

Application filed April 19, 1881. (No model.)

Figure 1 is a plan view of the track. Fig. I

2 is a longitudinal vertical sectional-view of the same, showing 1n position a car having my improvement. Fig. 3 is a vertical crosssection; and Fig. 4 is a detail view of the soundiugmechanism,showingits arrangement in the car.

-Corresponding parts in the several figures are denoted by like letters of reference.

This invention relates to railroad-signals; and it consists in an automatic sounding device operated by the switch-lever when the same is set for the siding, the object and function of which is to warn approaching trains of the position of the switch, as will be hereinafter more fully described, and particularly pointed out in the claims.

In the drawings hereto annexed, A A represent the rails of the main line of the track.

B B are the switch-rails, which are pivoted atG C and connected by the rod or bar D, which is, in practice, operated by a vertical lever, in the usual well-known manner, provision being made for the proper adjustment of the switch by means of the said lever.

To the end of one of the switch-rails, or to the bar D, is secured a cord or chain, E, pass ing alongside the main track through a tube, F, or through suitable guide-staples forming the equivalent of such tube, and,'if necessary, over pulleys G, or their equivalent, to the signal-post H, which is located beside the main track at such a distance from the switch as to enable a train to be completely stopped be fore reaching the switch in the event of a danger signal being given.

I is a vertical rod journaled to the side of the post H, and provided at its lower end with switch is set for the main line it shall be in a position nearly parallel to the main line of rails, while when the switch is set to the sidin g the said arm shall project toward the main line at a right angle, or approximately so, to the rails thereof.

To the end of the crank J is secured asprin g, L, the object of which is to hold the said crank and arm K away from the main line when the said line is clear.

M is a car, under the roof of which is fixed a bell or gong, N, to strike which a hammer, O, is suitably. arranged. The spring P, by which the said hammer is operated, is attached to the end of a bell-crank lever, Q, the outer end of which projects through the side of the car and is provided with an arm, R. The latter, which is disposed vertically, as shown, is adapted to engage the arm K of rod I.

From the foregoing description, and by reference to the drawings hereto annexed, the operation and advantages of my invention will be readily understood.

When the switch is set for the main line the spring L forces the arm J of rod I back, thus bringing the arm K to a position nearly parallel to the main line of rails. When, on the contrary, the switch is set to the siding, the arm K is brought to a position nearly at right angles to the main line of rails, thus causing the arm R of the bell-crank lever of one of the cars of any passing train to strike against the said arm K, thus sounding the gong or danger signal upon the train, which is thereby warned to stop in time to prevent any accident.

Having thus described my invention,Iclaim and desire to secure by Letters Patent of the United States- 1. In a railroad-signal, the combination,with the main rails A and switch B, of the post H, having rod I, provided with arms J K, spring L, and connecting cord or chain E, connecting the switch-rails with the arm J, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

2. The combination of the main-line rails A, In testimony that I claim the fcregoing as switch B, post H, pivoted rod I, having arms my own I have hereunto affixed my signature J K, spring L, and cord or chain E, Withmechin presence of two witnesses.

anism for adjusting the switch, and the sound- EVAN DUN LAP. 5 ing' mechanism N O P Q R, arranged in a rail- Witnesses:

road-car, substantially as and for the purpose MICHAEL F. BODEN,

set forth. J 0s. WHEATON. 

